Monday, February 4, 2013

Missed Opportunity

By Mark W. Danielson

A couple of years ago I missed an opportunity while addressing
a group of aspiring writers.As I
discussed details of a factual White House conspiracy and how it became one of
my books, an attractive blonde walked in, listened to a few of my words without
ever taking a seat, asked if I honestly believed it, and stormed out when I
replied, “yes”.My only regret was failing
to ask the members of the audience to describe what they just observed.After all, good writers are equally good at observing,
and had I taken the opportunity, it is likely the audience may have
collectively remembered her hair flip and quick spin as she stormed out, nose
high, with a look of disgust from insulting her favorite politician. In my mind, I still hear her fashion boots
stomping down the hall as clear as the day it happened, and I remain amused by her
polished act – one I suspect she perfected from years of having things her way.Then again, I realize my assumption is based
solely on her few seconds in the room.Even so, I feel certain her behavior has echoed some characters’
behavior in my subsequent books.

Although detailed observing is an acquired skill, it becomes
habitual if you practice writing what you see.Viewing the world this way leads to believable scenes and
characters.Next time you find yourself
in a public place, note how people speak, smell, gesture, and dress.Dialects, accents, clothing, and hair styles can
help identify where people are from.Note
their shoe heels to get a better picture of the person’s actual height.If you witness a crime, your power of
observation can help identify the culprit.If you see a suspicious person, note their build, size, voice, gestures,
tattoos, and other significant features.Test your abilities by observing someone for a second or two.In tense situations, that may be all the time
you have.(Having encountered an armed
robber up close, I assure you such memories never fade.) Now write a scene based upon what you
observed.Doing so will give you an
understanding of your personal power of observation and what you can do to
improve.

The benefits of enhancing your observation skills are
endless.Once they become a habit, your
writing will become spontaneous and require fewer re-writes.